FedEx has introduced a groundbreaking two-armed robot named DexR, engineered to automate one of the most challenging tasks faced by the company’s human workers—loading delivery trucks with packages. This innovative robot leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently stack rows of differently sized boxes within a delivery vehicle, aiming to maximize cargo space.

The complexity of this task is not to be underestimated. “Packages come in different sizes, shapes, weights, and packaging materials, and they come randomized,” explains Rebecca Yeung, Vice President of Operations and Advanced Technology at FedEx. DexR relies on a combination of cameras and lidar sensors to perceive and assess the packages, followed by intricate planning to configure the available boxes into a compact, secure arrangement, all while avoiding damage to the contents. Yeung highlights the significant advancements in AI that now make such complex decision-making feasible. DexR is currently undergoing testing, with plans for wider deployment across FedEx’s operations in the future.

Small talk is the social glue that binds our interactions. It’s the foundation upon which we build friendships, foster trust with new acquaintances, transition into deeper conversations, and navigate unfamiliar social terrain. In our fast-paced lives, lengthy conversations about trivial matters may sometimes feel like a luxury. As the rhythm of modern life quickens, these expansive dialogues are gradually being replaced by what we can aptly term “micro talk.”

Micro talk comprises the subtle nods exchanged with colleagues, the swift “hi” to a neighbor, the heart emoji reaction to a friend’s Instagram story, the polite “thanks” to the cafe server, or the casual “good” in response to an inquiry about your day. Navigating this concise language of contemporary social etiquette is essential, as mastering micro talk is the gateway to more profound and meaningful conversations. Here are two key insights into the world of micro talk that can help you pave the way.